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The London Nationals added some veteran savvy to their lineup in hopes of defending their Sutherland Cup title this spring.

Michael Whaley, a 20-year-old Londoner, signed with the Nats last week after appearing in eight games with the Western men's hockey team this season. The four-year OHL forward (Plymouth, Windsor) was one of the top penalty killers in major junior hockey the past couple of seasons.

He joins forward Nik Passero, who was acquired from the Fort Erie Meteors in a cash deal. The 20-year-old scored 12 goals and 41 points in 33 games in Fort Erie.

The Nationals also addressed their goaltending depth with a trade for Justin Tugwell of the Lambton Shore Predators. The 19-year-old Tugwell, a former Oshawa Generals draft pick, appeared in 13 games this season with the Preds, who signed goalie Alex Tokarewicz of the Notre Dame midgets in Wilcox, Sask.